kicad - libraries of components for pedals?

Intripped · Post by **Intripped** » 04 May 2025, 02:25

hello,
i've just started learning kicad, coming from EAGLE, and i'm looking for libraries of the most used components for pedals.
I thought that kicad was widely used, but there are not many resources online, i have to say. or i just can't find them.

some people suggest the digikey library, saying that it's really good, so i've installed it ...but well ...i can't find a resistor or a potentiometer in it... just many components that i will never use. or maybe i'm missing something, i don't know, i'm just a new kicad user.

i know that i can easily create footprints, but i would like to have the 3D model as well. can i also create 3D models? it doesn't look like an easy task...

so please, tell me what is the right path to follow
thanks!

FiveseveN · Post by **FiveseveN** » 04 May 2025, 05:58

What's wrong with the built-in libraries? I've only had to make my own symbols for obscure ICs, footprints are covered and they all come with 3D models.

Intripped · Post by **Intripped** » 04 May 2025, 11:57

for instance, i can't find footprints (and 3D models) for alpha 16mm or 24mm potentiometers (maybe something similar for 9mm pots, but i have to check).

probably i've found resistors and diodes, even if i'd like to change the silkscreen (but here i think i will find a solution, modifying the existing footprints)

it would be very nice to have the correct 3d models for capacitors: i've probably found ceramic discs, WIMA, and maybe tantalium, but what about orange drops, greenies, dipped polyester types, small multilayer ceramics? ... for electolytic caps i would also like a more precise 3D model, with the correct distance between pins and general dimensions (not talking about the colour, colour is always ok)

where can i find audio and power supply jacks?
3PDTs? toggle switches?

since kicad have so many users, i thought that there would have been many detailed libraries available (like for EAGLE), but i see that it's not the case.

i find kicad very interesting for the 3D modeling and because it's relatively easy to import graphics to the PCBs, but i'm having troubles finding/making a nice library for the components that i need and i mostly use.

FiveseveN · Post by **FiveseveN** » 04 May 2025, 12:55

The 16mm pots are e.g. Potentiometer_Omeg_PC16BU_Vertical. 9mm ones are also in Potentiometer_THT (Potentiometer_Alpha_RD901F-40-00D_Single_Vertical etc.). No 3D though.
Jacks are in Connector_Audio, e.g. Jack_6.35mm_Neutrik_* Only board-mounted ones of course. Barrel jacks (for power) are, surprisingly enough, in Connector_BarrelJack.

plush · Post by **plush** » 04 May 2025, 16:26

Here, try my library.

You may want to adjust pad/hole sizes to your taste. I've dialed mine for hand soldering though.

Intripped · Post by **Intripped** » 04 May 2025, 17:08

hey Plush, thanks a lot!
...i only do hand soldering anyway. having PCBs assembled is not planned, if this is what you mean.